Cyclone Arnab Havoc: Puri Plunged into Darkness, Tourists Stranded
Severe weather from Cyclone Arnab causes chaos in Puri. Thousands evacuated as IMD warns of high-speed winds and torrential rain.
The coastal district of Puri has been thrown into chaos as Cyclone Arnab unleashed torrential rains and gale-force winds, leaving the region grappling with power outages and widespread turmoil. The storm, which has already begun impacting the lives of locals and visitors, has turned the serene coastal landscape into a scene of struggle and instability.
Chaos in Puri: Pilgrims and Tourists Hit Hard
The impact of the storm is most visible in Puri, where heavy downpours have led to severe waterlogging. This has created significant hurdles for pilgrims attempting to visit the iconic Jagannath Temple. The weather has not been kind to tourists either; those who traveled to witness the grandeur of the Sun Temple have found themselves unable to tour the site, left instead to shiver in the harsh, adverse conditions.
Along the coastline, the situation is equally dire. The sea has become extremely turbulent, with massive waves eroding sand dunes and the sheer force of the wind uprooting large bamboo trees near the Puri-Konark road, posing risks to commuters and residents alike.
IMD Forecast: A 'Very Severe' Threat
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has categorized Cyclone Arnab as a very severe cyclonic storm currently stationed over the west-central Bay of Bengal. Moving in a west-northwest direction, the storm is projected to cross the coasts of Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, specifically between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, by the morning of October 28, 2026.
The IMD has warned of devastating wind speeds:
- Expected speeds: 115-125 kilometers per hour.
- Potential gusts: Up to 140 kilometers per hour.
For southern Odisha, including Puri, alerts remain active for thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy rainfall, with immediate wind speeds expected to hover between 50-60 kilometers per hour.
Government Response and Massive Evacuations
To prevent a humanitarian disaster, the Odisha government has shifted into high gear. Six districts have been placed under high alert, and eight ministers have been specifically appointed to oversee preparedness and relief operations.
The scale of the emergency response is significant:
- Evacuations: Approximately 89,000 people have been moved to safer locations.
- Deployment: Personnel from the NDRF, ODRAF, fire department, and police have been stationed in sensitive areas.
- Public Safety: Schools have been closed, and several train services have been canceled to avoid accidents.
Warning for Fishermen
Given the volatility of the Bay of Bengal, authorities have issued a strict advisory to all fishermen, warning them not to venture into the sea for at least the next two days.
Local Weather Conditions
As of October 27, 2026, the atmosphere in Puri remained oppressive. Temperatures fluctuated between a high of 30 degrees Celsius and a low of 26 degrees Celsius, while humidity levels soared to 88 percent, adding to the discomfort of those stranded by the storm.